Could empty parking lots around Tucson’s mall become housing?
As big box stores shutter, leaving acres of empty parking lots in their wake, multifamily developers are spotting opportunities. Park Place Partnership LLC in Tucson, for example, bought a former Sears building last year. It plans to build self-storage in the basement and retail, restaurants and entertainment on the ground floor while adding infill residential in the parking lot to activate the area. Construction on apartments is underway at two other buildings next to retail and commercial. Alan Tanner, partner with Bourn, pointed out, “Having amenities, like groceries, restaurants, entertainment, health and wellness and work environments, all within walking distance from where you live is very desirable.” Tucson Mayor Regina Romero is on board with the idea, but raised the specter of potential NIMBYism.
